Can black toothpaste whiten teeth?

Every year consumers spend over a billion dollars trying to whiten their teeth. Since professional whitening procedures can be expensive, many people turn to cheaper options to attain a brighter smile. Brushing teeth with black toothpaste has become a popular choice in recent years with social media being awash with recommendations and positive reviews.

History tells us that man has known about the powerful properties of activated charcoal since prehistoric times. Fossilised remains show that Neolithic man used to eat charcoal, possibly because they knew that with this black substance in their belly, they could eat plants and berries that would otherwise have been poisonous.

The advanced ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations were also well aware of the therapeutic powers of activated charcoal and used it for treating various physical ailments, preserving wood, embalming the dead and manufacturing bronze. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that activated carbon was utilized by many cultures throughout history. Native American Indians are thought to have used charcoal to treat stomach disorders and Aborigines realized that this magical black substance could help heal wounds.

Raw materials like coconut husks, bamboo, and wood are used to produce the charcoal used in black toothpaste. The charcoal only becomes active after it has been treated with a combination of high temperatures, gases, and chemicals to increase its internal pore structure. The size and number of pores is the key to the power of activated charcoal. Inside every particle of activated charcoal are the countless collection of pores that give the material its incredible surface area.

The scientific principle behind the effectiveness of activated charcoal is Van der Waals forces. This is where molecules are electrostatically attracted and adsorbed by the surface area of the charcoal. Even a single gram of active charcoal has a surface area of over 3,000 m2 (32,000 sq ft), so the potential for adsorbing matter is enormous. These characteristics make it a perfect detoxifier and purifier because of its ability to collect poisons, toxins, and impurities.

The properties of active charcoal make it perfect for treating certain medical conditions. The World Health Organisation has it listed as one of the essential medicines for treating drug overdoses and poisonings. Aside from treating acute poisonings, activated carbon is also commonly used to filter blood and treat gastric problems like upset stomachs, indigestion, and flatulence.

There are many reasons why activated charcoal is a perfect primary ingredient for black toothpaste.

• It readily binds with the kind of toxins and compounds that contribute to teeth staining, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.
• Charcoal is a natural and safe ingredient that won’t irritate the delicate skin inside the mouth.
• Coconut-based charcoal has a Ph value of over 9 which helps to balance the mouths chemistry and aid the remineralization of your teeth.

Manufacturers of black toothpaste usually promote their products as being beneficial for the following –